The NFL kicks off its 102nd season in earnest on Sunday as the whirlwind of rumors, headlines and nonsense football goes into overdrive. Real football is finally going to get played.
AFC East
The Bills remain the top dogs in the east, with perennial MVP candidate QB Josh Allen and WR Stefon Diggs consistently giving their opponents fits on any given week. However, joining them at the top of the division are the Jets with new QB Aaron Rodgers bringing fresh life and energy to a team on the brink of breaking out.
The Dolphins remain consistently pretty good with top 12 QB Tua Tagovailoa and top wide receiving tandem Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. However, there are holes in the team that desperately need to be sorted out for it to make it to the next level. The Patriots seem to be lost adrift with an average QB in Mac Jones, no notable weapons and a suspicious defense.
AFC North
The biggest question lies with the Browns, who went 6-10 last year after their $230 million QB Deshaun Watson was suspended for 12 games and proceeded to play like it the rest of the way.
The Bengals have been the only team to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs since 2020. Joe Burrow is on the verge of being considered a top 5 QB and they have surrounded him with a serious supporting cast. The Steelers closed last season winning seven of nine, and Kenny Pickett looked to be making strides in year two. The Ravens have always been dangerous, especially with newly re-signed QB Lamar Jackson back and healthy.
AFC South
This is just a mid division. The Jaguars, led by blossoming superstar QB Trevor Lawrence, are the favorites to repeat as division winners, but in reality, it will just be whoever manages to trip over themselves the least. The Colts are rebuilding, the Texans might show promise but are young and unproven and the Titans are really just kind of there.
AFC West
The Chiefs are the best team in football and have been for a while with the best player in the league, Patrick Mahomes, under center, but the Chargers remain hot on their heels. Los Angeles again returns with one of the most talented rosters in football but has not been able to put it all together to make it deep into the playoffs. If they can’t do that this year, look for head coach Brandon Staley to get the boot.
The Broncos were a complete tire fire last year but are reborn with legendary coach Sean Payton. QB Russell Wilson is too talented for him to perform like he did last season. The Raiders are just lost — their coach does not seem like he has a vision for the team.
NFC East
After coming up just short, the Eagles rebuilt and look prime to repeat as NFC champs with MVP hopeful Jalen Hurts. The Cowboys again have all the promise in the world but cracks are beginning to show and they are beginning to lose the potential they once had.
If the Giants are going to break out and capitalize on their momentum, it has to be this year. Head coach Brian Daboll looks like the man in New York and QB Daniel Jones might have finally reached his prove-it year. The Commanders are under new management and have no direction. QB Sam Howell could be the answer, but they are not notable in any other way.
NFC North
The Vikings look like the favorite, but this might be the most uncertain division in football. Justin Fields could blossom into the next Lamar Jackson and lead the Bears to playoffs, Jordan Love could be the second coming of Aaron Rodgers for the Packers after sitting for three years and the Lions could be the most well-built team of the four.
NFC South
Across the board mediocre and not worth the time it would take to write about these teams.
NFC West
The Rams fell from their perch atop the division last year but could return under head coach Sean McVay and a healthy Cooper Kupp. The 49ers have been winners throughout the last half decade, but after a controversial QB competition, they ditched their third overall pick Trey Lance in favor of Brock Purdy. Will this decision come back to bite them?
The Seahawks surprised the world last season under the resurgence of QB Geno Smith and now they need to try and capitalize on that success. Finally, the Cardinals are in complete rebuilding mode, so nothing of note there.
Prediction
MVP: Trevor Lawrence
Superbowl Winner: E-A-G-L-E-S
